Discover the Best Bars and Restaurants in Clarkston, MI

The village of Clarkston, MI, is one of Michigan's most charming historic districts. Founded in the 1800s, Clarkston maintains its quaint smalltown style from the adorable downtown to the elegant modernized historic homes. Residents casually describe this little village as a place that no one wants to leave, so there's got to be more than just classic architecture and the Pine Knob Music Theater.

For many, what makes a town feel like home is a great pick of bars and restaurants. When you have a welcoming place to relax and delicious menus in every direction, it's only natural to feel content. So where can you can get a drink, and where the best places to eat are. In Clarkston, they're often one and the same. Let's take a tour of the best bars and restaurants in Clarkston, MI.

Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen

Built in a historic 1840s church is the Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen. This place is a cornerstone of the community and one of the most popular bars in Clarkston, MI. It's easy to find; just look for the white tower and stained glass windows on Main Street.

Their passion and specialty is house mac and cheese, which the locals can't get enough of. The fare is homestyle fusion, a mix of century-old classics like Union pot pie and meatloaf with more recent popular additions like Mediterranean steak and rice. There are weekly dinner specials and, of course, a fantastic list of on-tap options at the bar. The vibe is bright and friendly. After all, this is a community place.

Union Woodshop

The Union Woodshop is our local barbecue place, specializing in wood-smoked meats and homestyle classics that are hard to resist. The vibe is warm and historic, with log-slice paneling and soft amber lights over round family tables. It's known as the "big-time small-town BBQ," with a green hickory smoker in the back that is constantly infusing tender meats with that fresh, hickory flavor. You can order beer and ale, but the bar isn't the main focus.

They do pork, brisket, spare ribs, back ribs, whole birds, wings, and lots and lots of bacon each slow-cooked to perfection. On the "pizza side" of the smoker, they fuel the fire with apple and cherry wood for a signature flavor that can't be matched. They do burgers, burritos, and pizza alongside massive platters of their signature hickory barbecue. Sides include Union mac and cheese (still a local favorite) and old-school classics like collard greens, sweet potato mash, and corn muffins.

Sullivan's Public House

If you love a good Irish Pub, then you'll enjoy every minute at Sullivan's Public House. The dark polished wood bar, the bottles along the mirrored back wall, and the classic glass orb lighting bring the authenticity of centuries-old pub traditions to Clarkston. Start your meal with a hearty Guinness then dive into Old World dishes like fried fish and chips, bangers and mash, or a beautiful Shepherd's Pie. Or simply enjoy a timeless steak burger topped with fried onions and mushrooms.

Sullivan's brick and wood-paneled interior is an oasis from the busy outside world, but the terrace seating welcomes the sunshine. You can ask for your favorite cocktails at the bar, but their specialty Irish Coffee is a work of art.

Honcho Latin Street Food & Coffee

If you're looking for variety in your homestyle cuisine and bar selection, head over to Honcho's Latin Street Food & Coffee. And of course, they also serve cocktails and beer alongside some truly delicious nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tostadas. This strange blend of Latin street food, espressos and lattes, cocktails and beers, and somehow combines into the perfect night on the town.

You'll find Honcho's on E Church Street with an always-lively crowd. It really stands out among the homestyle hearty cuisine you'll find in most of the restaurants in Clarkston, MI.

15th Street Tavern

If you're looking for a trendier experience in the midst of all this historical gravitas, then try 15th Street Tavern. It is one of the more modern and swanky locations in Clarkston that defies the trend of moody lighting and centuries-old homestyle recipes.

Instead, they pride themselves on being a stylish and on-trend location for cocktails, specialty menus, and fun events. Stop by for the Weekend Brunch with a tailored menu of skillets, waffles, and omelets. Or swing by for Taco Tuesday, when we celebrate all things taco-themed. Gameday specials include beer, wine, and specialty cocktails plus large appetizers for the table.

You can order online with your phone, schedule a catered event, or just stop by for dinner and cocktails with friends in this lively, sun-drenched bar and restaurant.

Discover the Secrets of Clarkston Village

Clarkston Village is one of the best-kept secrets in Michigan. Its historic downtown and restored homes hide a vibrant scene of bars and restaurants that are filled with friendly locals every night. Whether you're looking to drink and dine like your ancestors have for over a century or want to try new trendy fusion cuisine and creative cocktails, you can find it all at the bars and restaurants of Clarkston, MI.

Make Lancaster Lakes Apartments your home base for exploring this charming village and everything it has to offer. Our apartments in Clarkston, MI, are a welcoming place to begin your adventures.